Whats the difference between an ophthalmologist and optometrist

Ophthalmologists differ from optometrists and opticians in their levels of training and in what they can diagnose and treat. Ophthalmologists are leaders of the eye care team due to their length of training and specialization. As a medical doctor who has completed university and at least eight years of additional medical training, an ophthalmologist is licensed to practice medicine and surgery. An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats all eye diseases, performs eye surgery and prescribes and fits eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct vision problems. Many ophthalmologists are also involved in scientific research on the causes and cures for eye diseases and vision disorders.

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There are two main types of eye doctors: ophthalmologists and optometrists. Confused about which is which and who does what? Here's a look at how they're different. Keep in mind that these professionals can work together and that a team approach can be the best option for eye care. 

Ophthalmologist: Medical and Surgical Eye Care

They went to medical school. After that, they had a 1-year internship and a residency of 3 years. That's sometimes followed by a 1 to 2 years fellowship. 

They offer complete eye care services:

  • Vision services, including eye exams
  • Medical eye care -- for conditions like glaucoma, iritis, and chemical burns
  • Surgical eye care -- for trauma, crossed eyes, cataracts, glaucoma, and other problems
  • Diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions related to other diseases, like diabetes or arthritis
  • Plastic surgery -- to raise droopy eyelids or smooth out wrinkles

Optometrist (OD): Vision Care and Eye Care Services

Optometrists take care of primary health care for the eye. After college, they spent 4 years in a professional program and got a doctor of optometry degree. Some optometrists get additional clinical training or complete a specialty fellowship after optometry school. They focus on regular vision care and they:

  • Perform eye exams and vision tests.
  • Prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses
  • Monitor medically related eye conditions related to diseases like diabetes 
  • Manage and treat conditions like Dry Eye and glaucoma
  • Provide low-vision aids and vision therapy

Optometrists and ophthalmologists often work together to take care of you.

Optician: Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses

Opticians aren’t eye doctors and can’t give eye exams. They get a 1- or 2-year degree, certificate, or diploma. They fill the prescription your eye doctor gives you. They also:

  • Check lens prescriptions
  • Provide, adjust, and repair glasses, frames, and contact lenses
  • Take facial measurements
  • Help decide which type of lenses and frames will work best
  • Order and check products, including contacts and eyeglass lenses

How to Choose an Eye Doctor

One type isn’t automatically better than the other. The right choice depends on your needs. The best eye doctor for you should be:

  • Recommended by your doctor, friends, or family
  • Someone you like and trust

A good rule of thumb would be:

  • For primary eye care, you may wish to start with an Optometrist. From there, they may refer you to an Ophthalmologist if needed
  • If you think you need eye surgery for cataracts, glaucoma or another eye disease, an ophthalmologist with the appropriate specialty would be a good place to start

Whats the difference between an ophthalmologist and optometrist

Should I see an ophthalmologist or an optometrist? This is a question people commonly ask when they’ve never been to an eye doctor. Even those who’ve had routine eye exams before may be confused by which kind of eye doctor they should see.

In the simplest of terms, an optometrist is considered a primary care eye professional while an ophthalmologist provides secondary-level care for eyes. Both kinds of doctors can prescribe medication and perform certain procedures. Ophthalmologists and optometrists alike are often involved in scientific research into causes and cures for eye system diseases.

At Allied Eye, Dr. Matzkin is our ophthalmologist while Dr. Herron is our optometrist. Each doctor performs specific tasks, but they work together as a team. Which type of eye doctor should you see? Keep reading to learn more about the care provided by our team of eye care professionals.

What is an Ophthalmologist?

An ophthalmologist is a Doctor of Medicine (D.O. or M.D.) who specializes in advanced treatment of visual system diseases. This extends to the eye’s associated structures, including the brain and the lacrimal (or tear) system surrounding the eye. They are trained in delicate eye surgery and ocular disease management in addition to providing primary eye care services.

Ophthalmologists receive at least 12 years of education after high school. This includes:

  • Four years of college
  • Four years of medical school
  • A year or more of general medical or surgical training
  • A three or more year hospital-based eye residency program

This is often followed by another year or two in a subspeciality fellowship. Ophthalmologists must also take continuing education courses throughout their career in order to maintain their licensure.

Choose an ophthalmologist when you:

  • Need eye surgery, cataract treatment or other procedures
  • Are experiencing a complex medical condition that threatens your eyesight
  • Have skin issues near your eyes, such as moles or skin tags
  • Have a referral from your optometrist

What is an Optometrist?

An optometrist is a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) who provides primary healthcare services related to the eye and the visual system. They provide routine vision care and can detect, diagnose and manage various infections and diseases of the visual system. Their services include refraction, or measuring your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses, and fitting/dispensing corrective eyewear.

An optometrist receives at least eight years of education after high school. This includes:

  • Four years of college
  • Four years of optometry school
  • A one-year residency in a specific area, such as pediatrics or vision therapy (optional)

Like ophthalmologists, optometrists must take continuing education courses to maintain their licensure.

Choose an optometrist when you:

  • Need an eye checkup
  • Are overdue for a comprehensive eye exam
  • Notice changes in your vision or other troublesome eye symptoms
  • Need to modify your corrective lens prescription

Do I need to see both types of eye doctors?

Not necessarily, though you are likely to see optometrists and ophthalmologists throughout your lifetime. If all you need is basic eye care, an optometrist can take care of your needs. However, if you have any eye diseases or conditions that need surgical treatment, you will likely be referred to an ophthalmologist.

Ophthalmologists and optometrists usually co-manage patients, working together to provide the best level of care. Dr. Matzkin may refer you to Dr. Herron for contact lens fittings, vision therapy or rehabilitation and other optical services. Dr. Herron may refer you to Dr. Matzkin for ocular disease assessment, treatment and surgery.

What is an Optician?

Another type of eye care specialist is an optician. These vision experts fill corrective lens prescriptions written by optometrists and ophthalmologists. Allied Eye’s optician is Jamie Lynn. She serves as the clinical/optical sales manager and has over 16 years in the optical field. She completed a three-year optician apprenticeship before joining Allied Eye and helps with selecting and fitting eyeglass frames.

Now that you know the differences between opticians and ophthalmologists—and opticians—you have a better idea of who you should call for your specific eye care needs. Call or text us today at (423) 855-8522 to make an appointment with Dr. Matzkin or Dr. Herron. Concerned about COVID? Take a moment to read our COVID-19 protocoland find out how our Chattanooga eye doctors are working to keep you safe!

Is an optometrist the same as an ophthalmologist?

Ophthalmologists differ from optometrists in their levels of training and in what they can diagnose and treat. As a medical doctor who has completed college and at least eight years of additional medical training, an ophthalmologist is licensed to practice medicine and surgery.

What is the difference between an optometrist and an optician?

An optometrist is an eye doctor that can examine, diagnose, and treat your eyes. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who can perform medical and surgical interventions for eye conditions. An optician is a professional who can help fit eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision-correcting devices.